Misuari disowns Zamboanga attack

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In this photo taken on August 12, 2013, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari (C) addresses his armed followers in one of their camps in Indanan, Sulu, on the southern island of Mindanao, following his declaration that he was breaking away from the government because he believed they were sidelining his group. Followers of Misuari entered the coastal area of Zamboanga city by boat at dawn on September 9, triggering clashes that left at least one soldier dead and six wounded, the military said. (AFP PHOTO)

Nur Misuari founder and chief of the MNLF, has disowned the attack on Zamboanga City that has led to a standoff between Moro rebels and government forces that has now entered its fourth day, according to Zamboanga Mayor Beng Climaco, speaking during a briefing in Zamboanga City.

According to the Zamboanga City PIO, Climaco was able to speak with Nur Misuari Wednesday evening hoping for a way to peacefully end the Zamboanga Crisis that has left 12 people dead and 21 injured.

Mayor Climaco: Misuari disowned the actions of Habier Malik, the leader of the hostage-takers with whom I communicated separately.

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin here on Thursday afternoon, September 12, Fontanilla admitted that Chairman Misuari and Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco had a talk regarding the situation of the civilians reportedly held hostage by the MNLF.

Fontanilla said that it was clear in the conversations that Mayor Climaco wanted to free the civilians in the area but Chairman Misuari clarified to her that not all administrative matters of the organization are being handled by the chairman.

He added that the chairman made it clear to Mayor Climaco that the MNLF leaves to its field commanders the discretion to decide especially on vital matters that affect their situation on the ground.

In fact, the spokesperson stressed that Chairman Misuari had asked for a ceasefire in order to allow a group of Ulamas facilitate the release of the civilians trapped in the crossfire.

Fontanilla said nobody listened to them especially on the request for ceasefire that would facilitate the release of the trapped civilians.

He was surprised, he said upon hearing the news of Chairman Misuari disowning his men on the field came out.

“This is pure intrigue”, Fontanilla emphasized, adding that the chairman is constantly communicating with his field commanders on the ground.

The spokesperson also lambasted Malacañang for its continued disregard to the call of Chairman Misuari for a ceasefire.

“Malacañang has a new agenda right now especially that the President is now linked to the PDAF controversy”, Fontanilla added.

We wanted ceasefire and asked for political solution to the crisis but the government is keen on resolving the conflict through military means, Fontanilla said.